The formation of the Myanmar Broadcasters
Association (MBA) was officially announced by Yangon Region Chief
Minister U Phyo Min Thein at the Sky Star hotel in Yangon yesterday.

In his speech, the chief minister said the news
media played a crucial role in encouraging public participation in
politics alongside the executive, legislative and judicial branches to
enhance the democratic system in the country. He recognised the role the
media had played throughout the country’s democratic movement,
describing it as a milestone in the history of the country.

According to MBA Chairman U Khin Maung Htay, the
association was formed with representatives of the broadcasting agencies
across the country. He urged the media community to join hands with the
association in enabling the country’s media to keep abreast of the
international media.

The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the formation
of the Myanmar Broadcasters Association on 8 August this year, with
officials saying that a committee has been formed to review the
Broadcasting Law and write its rules and regulations.

The MBA is formed with the representatives of 15
media agencies. It has plans to conduct training programmes and
workshops in partnership with its partner media agencies, including DW
Akademie, Germany’s leading organisation for international media
development.